The dog-eat-dog corporate world can be a a real bitch. But it can also be delightful when seeing it from an audience's perspective. Topher Grace (70's Show, Traffic) stars as a young, overly energetic corporate exec who is part of a hostile takeover. He steals the position of a middle age sales director, played by Dennis Quaid, but decides to keep him on as an "awesome wingman." It's harsh watching all the lay-offs happen (especially since I've been the victim of that very thing twice in the last 2 years); one by one workers of three, five or ten years are slowly let go in exchange for a healthy bottom line.

Although not much really happens to advance the plot quickly, the energetic and humorous acting of Topher Grace (probably my favorite young actor right now) and a strong performance by Dennis Quaid make this movie work. Topher breathes fresh life into this cliche roll something wicked. Quaid's strong and even comedic acting at some points show why he is still given these rolls and why, although some poorer performances in recent memory, he is still considered by many to be an A-list actor. He reminds me in many ways of Harrison Ford. He just didn't get the lucky breaks that Ford got.

Carter is invited to Dan's for dinner.
Awkwardness ensues.

It's not only a story of corporate take-over. There is also an emotional element added. Soon after the take-over, Carter (Grace) becomes emptionally involved with Dan's (Quaid) daughter Alex; played by Scarlett Johansson. Now, not only does Dan have a 26 year old boss on the brink of firing him, he also has to deal with the fact that his boss is sleeping with his daughter. Also, we find out a little bit more about Carter's past and why he really is keeping Dan around.

It is a fun drama with lots of laughs. Nothing feels forced or overly worked over. It's just a fun, simple script that is taken over by some gifted actors to make us all enjoy ourselves for a couple of hours. A couple cameos by Malcolm Macdowell and Salma Blair along with a few other familiar faces push this one over the edge. I was really surprised at how much I liked this film. It should've come as no surprise to me; it was written and directed by the same guy who wrote and/or directed the "American Pie" films, "Antz" and "About a Boy." All of which were above par films. I highly recommend this rental to all. It seems as though it was put together effortlessly and speaks volumes regarding a variety of issues; from aging and ambition to parenting and working. But most of all, it was just...fun.